Tool and die maker&#39;s lamp



Dec. 21, 1943. w. L GARBERDING TOOL AND DIE MAKERS LAMP 2 Sheets-Sheetl` Filed Feb. 26, 1941 35M MMM( `/zlar/ztej.

/'aldo Larerd Alim De 21', 1943 w@ l. GARBERDING 2,337,237

TOOL AND DIE MAKERS LAMP Filed Feb. 26, 1941 2 sheets-smet 2 PatentedDec. 21, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,337,237 TOOL AND DIE MAKERQSLAMP Waldo'L. Garberding, Chicago, Ill. Application February 26, 1941,'Seria1No. 380,581 9 claims; (c1. mince)` rlhis invention relates to alamp construction and more particularly concerns alamp havingexceptional usefulness as a source of directed illumination forprecision mechanics such as tool and die makers.

In certain occupations such as tool and die making where the surfaces ofobjects must be worked upon to minute tolerances so as to attain closeperfection of form or contour, there has been long existent withoutsatisfactory solution the problem of proper illumination. From thenature of this type of work the mechanic is required to concentrate hisattention upon relatively small areas at a time and for this purposerequires in such areas relatively strong illumination which must fallupon the work at a proper angle to reveal the true character of thesurface being worked. In order to avoid undue eye strain, suchillumination must be of a character to avoid glare, and it is highlydesirable that it be concentrated upon the working area and not spreadall around to create undesirable glaring and detracting reflections fromadjacent surfaces and contours. Heretofore it has been a real problem tosecure proper illumination from the conventional light sources involvingthe use of regular size lamp bulbs shielded in devious ways to affordprotection against shining directly into the mechanics eyes. The priorschemes have also been seriously limited in maneuverability and focusingability and it has frequently required considerable ingenuity on themechanics part to have the required illumination Where and when needed,the problem being especially aggravating when working within recesses,cavities, bores, perforations and on various contours.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above mentionedand other difculties and problems with respect to securing adequateillumination under specialized conditions, such as in toolV and diemaking, by the provision of a lamp construction arranged to furnish aconcentration of light upon selected areas and Whichis ci such a sizeand high degree of adaptability that it can be easily handled andtransported and can be positioned or held with respect to the work insuch a manner as to afford the great est possible working clearance eventhough of necessity it closely approaches that area ci' the work `uponwhich a beam of light is to be focused.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lamp of the characterdescribed which has features adaptingit to be used with high eiciencyeither manually in examining or inspecting` the work or fixedly in anadjusted position near the area of the work being operated upon.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a lamp whichcomprises a compact unit including a self-contained source ofelectricity of proper voltage. f

Still another object of the invention is to provide a tool and diemakers lamp which is equipped to meet Various requirements forconcentrated illumination and which has readily interchangeable parts toassist in this purpose.

Additionalobjects oi the invention are to provide in such a lamp a novelsocket and casing arrangement adapted for accommodating replaceable lampbulbs of exceptionally small size; to provide an improved swivelconnector for ccnnecting the electrical cord to the lamp handle; toprovide an improved adjustable connector between certain relativelyadjustable parts of the lamp; and to provide a construction for the lamppermitting the use of readily available and inexpensive parts which canbe easily assembled cr replaced so that the lamp can be made at low costand can be easily repaired by the user.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the followingdetailed description and from the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is aperspective view of a lamp unit embodying the features ofthe invention and shows the adjustable parts of the lamp unit in aretracted or collapsed condition in which the unit may be accommodatedin a tool box.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional View through the base of the lamp takensubstantially along line 2 2 of Fig. 1. l

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary detail sectional view takensubstantially along line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig.l 4 is an enlarged sectional detail view taken longitudinallythrough thel connector between the handle and post of the lampsubstantially along line 4 4 of Fig. 1. l Y

Fig. 5 is a fragmental enlarged longitudinal sectional view through thehandle and tip of the lamp.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view through a modified form`of lamp tip.

Fig. 7 is a perspective View of the lamp bulb casing shown in Fig. 6. 1

Fig. 8 is an enlargedperspective ther medied form of lamp tip.

Fig.,9 is an exploded assembly view ofthe structures included inthehandle and post assembly of the lamp construction.

Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of the lamp View of a furunit showingthe handle and post assembly in an extreme extended condition.

Fig. 11 is a simple wiring diagram showing the use of dry cells as theso-urce of electric current.

Fig. 12 is a simple wiring diagram showing the use of a low voltagetransformer as the source of electrical current for the lamp.

The features of the invention may be embodied practically in a smallself-contained lamp unit, such as shown by way of illustration in thedrawings, which is particularly designed to operate on relatively lowvoltages, for example, six volts and under, and to enable concentrationof the illumination or beam of light therefrom upon selected workingareas. To this end the lamp unit includes as a basic feature, a smallelectrical lamp bulb Ill (Figs. 1, and 9) mounted within a tip II at oneend of a thin elongated stem I2 providing a handle. In practice, the tipII and the handle I2 may be formed from tubular a* stock having anoutside diameter as small as three-sixteenths of an inch. 'Ihe length ofthe handle I2 is such that it can readily be manipulated to project thetip into places of limited working space or clearance withoutobstructing the mechanics vision. For certain purposes it may bedesirable to have the tip end of the handle I2 angled as at I3 tofacilitate disposition of the lamp tip relative to the work.YV

While the lamp has been devised for ready manipulation of the handle I2like a wand to carry the illuminating tip to the work, it is alsointended that the lamp be used in an adjusted stationary condition insuch a manner as to enable proper directed illumination of a selectedarea of the work. Accordingly, the handle I2 may be secured by means ofan adjustable connector Ill to a post I5 which is mounted upon aportable relatively heavy, preferably cast metal base member II having alow center of gravity for stability. By preference, the post i5 is ofsubstantial length and may be formed from a length of tubular or rodstock of small diameter, in practice of similar diameter as the handleI2, and the connection of the post with the base I'l is such as topermit swinging adjustment movement in at least a vertical plane. Forthis purpose, one end of the post I5 may be secured radially into a iiatring-shaped bearing member i3 which is constructed to be receivedbetween f the upstanding legs of a relatively exible U- shapedconnecting bracket I9. A thumb screw 2i) (Figs. 1 and 2) extends throughone leg of the bracket I9 and through the bearing member i3 and isthreaded into the opposite leg of the f bracket to draw the bracket legsinto frictional abutment or clamping relation with the faces of thebearing member to hold the post in any preferred adjusted position towhich it may be swung about the axis of the screw 2li. The connectingbracket I9 may be secured by means of a screw 2! (Fig. 2) extendingthrough its base web to a flatv surface 22 provided therefor centrallyon top of the base I1. To avoid swivel movement of the connectingbracket I9 it may be provided with one or more locking bosses 23 (Fig.3) arranged to fit within complementary recesses 253 in the surface 22.

A feature vof substantial advantage resides in the arrangement wherebythe base I1 is constructed to supportthe source of electrical current'for the lamp bulb I. Accordingly, the interior of the base may beformed hollow to provide a downwardly opening chamber 21 for the purposeofreceiving a set of replaceable dry cell batteries 28 (Figs. 1 and 11)which may be of the kind available for use in flashlights and capable ofcontinuous use for several hours. A U- shaped spring clip 29 secured asby means of one or more screws 3i) to the top wall of the chamber 21 isarranged to cooperate with the side and top walls of the chamber 2l' tohold the dry cells 23 cradled yieldingly in place within the base in thecorners formed by these walls. It will be apparent that the clip 29permits the batteries 28 to be easily replaced by a manually slidingaction when burned out. At their opposite contact ends, the batteries 28engage suitable front contact points 3l and rear bridging contact means(not shown) which may be secured to the inside walls of the chamber 2lby means of bolts or screws 3la (Figs. 1 and l0). An electrical circuitwith the batteries 28 is established through leads 32 in the form of anelectrical cord of substantial length which extends through an opening32n in one wall of the chamber 2l. The ends of the leads 32 are inelectrical communication with the Contact points 3i and the electriclamp bulb I, respectively. One of the leads 32 is interrupted by anelectrical control switch 33 which may be conveniently mounted upon amounting plate 34 bridging an upwardly opening aperture 35 convenientlylocated in the top of the base I'i'. As a result of this arrangement,the lamp unit is independent of any outside source of electricity andmay be used in numerous environments where it has heretofore beenpractically impossible to use a lamp, thus greatly adding to themaneuverability and range of usefulness of the invention.

For some purposes it may be preferred to equip the lamp unit with a lowvoltage transformer 3l (Fig. l2) which may be connected with the regularshop current supply to serve as the source of electrical current for thelamp unit. A transformer supplying current of up to six volts has beenfound suitable in practice and is available in a size to be readilyaccommodated within the chamber 2l of the base. Where necessary, moreroom for the transformer 3l may be provided by forming a substantialrecess 38 (Fig. 2) in the top wall of the chamber 2l. An advantage inusing the transformer as the source of current resides in the largervo-ltage available and the capability of securing variable voltagesunder the maximum to meet variable requirements for intensity ofillumination. To this end a combination switch and rheostat 39 may beprovided for controlling the lamp circuit.

The electrical leads 32 are removably connected to the end of the handleI2 opposite the tip II by means of an improved connector Ml. As bestseen in Fig. 5, the connector 40 is formed in two parts comprising agenerally cup-shaped butt member lll and a coaxially alined tubularmember l2 which has a stem 43 of reduced diameter extending into thebutt member for slidable rotation. A swivel connection is formed betweenthe members by means of a split ring @ill fitting within complementarygrooves and LS1 in the opposing cylindrical walls of the butt member diand the stem Q3, respectively. The opposite end oi the swivel member 42is formed with a reduced diameter portion i8 which is threaded to bescrewed into an internally threaded enlargement i9 of the bore at therear end of the handle I2.

An axial bore 5@ in the butt member ll may xedly accommodate one end ofa tubular insulator 5I which extends freely through the swivel member 42and has the end portion of one of the leads 32 extending therethrough.The extremity of this end portion is encased by and extends slightlybeyond a head 52 of insulating material which is of slightly greaterdiameter than the insulator l and is received in freely slidablerelation within an enlargement 53 of the bore at the free end of theswivel member 42. The projecting end or the lead may be anchored bymeans such as a solder tip Sli which forms an electrical contact forengagement by the end of an electrical conductor 55 ixedly securedWithin the handle i2 in a tubular encasing insulator 5l. The remaininglead 32 may be soldered to the outer end of the butt lll serving as aground. A protective rubber annulus 58 may surround the leads 32 at theouter end of the butt member lll. It will thus be seen that theelectrical leads 32 may be connected to the handle i 2 simply byscrewing the swivel member 42 in place and entirely without twisting theleads.

ln order to facilitate replacement of the lamp bulb the tip i i isconstructed in an improved manner and, as shown in Figs, 5 and 9, may bein the form of a tubular casing having an externaily threaded reduceddiameter stem 59 at its rear end dimensioned to be threaded into aninternally threaded enlargement of the bore in the adjacent end of thehandle This enlargement forms a socket for receving an enlarged El atthe end of the base of the lamp bulb rPhe base enlargement 5i providesan axially outwardly facing shoulder 62 against which the inner edge ofthe threaded tip stern EB bears to press an axial contact point 63 onthe head lil against a Contact point Ed formed at the adjacent end ofthe conductor 55. The latter end portion of the conductor may be encasedwithin an insulating head 55 press iitted into the base of the socketEQ. Since both of the opposite ends of the handle l2 are formed asthreaded sockets, the arrangement may be such as to permit selectivereversal of the tip H and the swivel connector il? so that the tip maybe secured at the straight end of the handle when preferred,

The relative proportions of' the tip H and the lamp bulb structure itmay be such that the lens of the lamp bulb is exposed to the desiredextent while the sides of the lamp bulb are protected against injury bythe tip which may be finished on smoothly at its outer edge as indicatedat 6l. Tl'irough this arrangement the lamp bulb Il) is fully protectedagainst damage, but the lens thereof is sufficiently exposed to throw asubstantial beam of light, and when necessary, the lamp can be replacedquickly and conveniently merely by unscrewing the tip l I.

For special purposes, the removable tip and lamp bulb structure may bereplaced by specially constructed lamps having suitable threaded bases.Moreover, a set of tips or casings of different fori/ns may be providedshaped to cooperate with the lamp bulb i t to direct various selectiveforms of iight beams on the work. For example, referring to themodications shown in Figs. 5 and 7, a special tip G3 may be providedhaving a substantially hood forni enclosing the lamp bulb le and shapedlike a ilat nozzle to provide a narrow slit-like end aperture 69 tothrow a narrow, fan-like beam of light. Many other forms of tip hoods tomeet specic requirements as to form or concentration of the light beamwill, or" course, readily suggest themselves.

Another modiiied form of tip 'H is shown in Fig. 8 having alongitudinalradially opening lightaperture l2 arranged to direct a beam of lightlaterally from an elongated lamp bulb 'i3 encased thereby. This form oftip is particularly desirable where a relatively large beam of light isrequired but due to the liability of damage to the lamp bulbthe lattermust receive maximum protection. Other special forms of tips and lampswill readily present themselves whenever necessary.

A wide range of relative adjustment of the handle I2 on the post l5 ispermitted by the improved connector Ill, which is also constructed topermit quick release of the handle l2 for manual use of the lamp. Tothis end, the connector ifi is constructed in two generally elongatedcomplementary portions l5 and i6 connected together in end to endrelation. The member l5 has an axial reduced diameter, generallycylindrical head 'i7 at its inner end which extends slidably into acomplementary, axially opening socket bore 'f3 within the adjacent endof the portion l5 and provides an axially facing shoulder I9 adjacentits base to form a seat for the opposite axially facing end surface ofthe portion 73. A knurl headed set screw d is threaded radially throughthe wall of the bore 'le and extends at its inner end into aneccentrically formed annular channel 8l formed in the periphery of thehead 71.

he wall of the channel 8l nearest the extremity of the head 'il presentsan inwardly slanting, generally outwardly facing surface 82 for cammingengagement by the inner end of the set screw gli which, as it istightened down against such surface, forces the connector portionstogether and causes tight abutment of the seating shoulder 'iS and theadjacent end surface of the connector portion l5. By loosening the screwSi) without removing the inner end from the channel 6l the opposingshoulder and end surface are released from frictional interengageinentand it is then possible to eiect full rotary adjustment of the portionsof the connector, and by removing the set screw it is possible toseparate the connector portions completely.

To receive the handle i2 and the post Eli, respectively, the connectorportions 'iii and lil are provided with transverse bores and Sil andrespective knurl headed set screws 35i and 8l are threaded into theouter ends 0f the connector portions to secure the handle and post inadjusted relationship. Thus, the handle i2 may be adjusted to anypreferred longitudinal position relative to the post i5 merely byloosening one or both of the set screws 85 and 8l and by relativesliding movement adjusting the parts to suit. The novel arrangement alsopermits the handle to be adjusted to any relative rotary position aboutthe axis of the post, while the ccnnection formed by the set screw di!permits swinging of the handle I2 by rotation of the connector portionl5 on its axis into any preferred angular adjustment of the handlerelative to the pcs i5. These adjustments taken together with theswinging adjustment of the post i'on the base l?, and the readyshiftability of the base il renders the lamp unit practicallyuniversally adjustable and extraordinarily adaptable to workingconditions. When the handle l2 is to be used manually, it can be quicklydetached from the post i5 by loosening the set screw Se to permitseparation of the portion l5 of the connector and thus avoids thenecessity for removing the handle E2 from theconnector and facilitatesreconnection to the post i5. The small, lightweight ccnnectol1 pol'-tion l offers no appreciable impediment to free manual use of the handleand if it does can ce quickly slid oi of the handle after disconnectionoi the electrical connector til.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present inventionprovides a small, compact and highly eicient lamp unit havingexceptional adaptability for specialized working conditions such asencountered in tool and die making where concentrated illumination uponselected working areas is particularly advantageous, but where space isat a premium. Due to its compact form and self-contained source ofillumination, the lamp unit may be conveniently placed in anonobstructing position in limited space and the novel handle and poststructure permits of substantial longitudinal adjustment and an almostunlimited range of other relative adjustments to reach the work mosteffectively. When not in use the lamp unit may be collapsed into a smallspace adapting it to form a regular part of the mechanics tool kit. rIheimproved adjustable connector of the handle and post structure permitsthe handle to be detached ior use manually, thus aording a greatconvenience for examination and inspection purposes. rihe lamp cord isrelieved from twisting strains by the improved swivel connector by whichthe cord is placed in electrical communication with the handle of thelamp. Breakage of lamp bulbs is avoided by the improved protectedmounting provided and the cost of replacing burned out lamp bulbs isminimizecl by the arrangement permitting use of bulbs in their mostinexpensive form, Moreover, the lamp unit may be constructed fromreadily available and inexpensive materials and parts and may beconstructed and assembled at reasonably low cost.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications andalternative constructions, I have shown in the drawings and have hereindescribed in detail a preferred embodiment, out it is to be understoodthat I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specic formdisclosed but intend to cover all modications and alternativeconstructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention asexpressed vin the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

l. In combination in a lamp construction of the character described, alamp bulb supporting structure including a stem member and a postmember, means for connecting said stem member to said post memberincluding a structure comprising a portion secured to said post memberand another portion secured to said stem member, one oi said portionshaving a socket, and the other oi said portions having a head oi reduceddiameter to fit within the socket, said head including an annularperipheral groove, and a set screw threaded radially through the wall ofsaid socket on an eccentric axis relative to said groove when said headis fully received within said socket, the wall of said groove nearestthe extremity of said head being so constructed and related to the axisof the screw that as an incident to tightening the screw its tip portionbears against such wall and thereby tends to force the head deeper intothe socket, whereby to draw said portions into light abutment.

2. In combination in a tool and diemakers or like lamp, a base and apost extending from said base, a handle for supporting a lamp bulb atone end, and means for adjustably and quickdetachably connecting saidhandle to said post comprising separable members respectively con- Cilnected removably and adjustably to said handle and said post, one ofsaid members having a socket therein and the other of said membershaving a complementary head tting rotatably within said socket andhaving an annular peripheral groove, the wall of said groove nearest theextremity of the head being formed on an inwardly slanting angle, and amanually operable set screw threaded through the Wall of said socketinto endwise engagement with said wall in said groove to drive thehead-carrying member into tight rictional engagement with the socketedmember in any relatively adjusted rotary position of the members.

3, In a quick detachable connection adapted for securing a lamp handleto a basesupported post of a lamp, separable post mounted and handlemounted members, one of said members having a generally cylindricalhead, the other member having a socket within which the head is receivedfreely for relative rotation on the head axis, a face area on said othermember at the side of the socket, a shoulder at the base of said headengageable with said face area when the head is fully within the socket,and means for drawing said shoulder and face area nxedly together in anyselected position of relative rotary adjustment of the members, saidmeans being quickly releasable by a simple digital manipulation topermit the members to be rotatably readjusted or completely separatedfor use or the handle away from the post.

4. A construction as deiined in claim 3 wherein the means for drawingthe shoulder and face area together comprises a peripheral groove in thehead having a generally outwardly facing slanting wall at the side ofthe groove nearest the end of the head, and a thumb screw threadedthrough the wall of the socket into engagement at its tip with cammingeilect against the slanting wall.

5. In combination in a low voltage lamp construction including a lampbulb and an elongated tubular handle oi electrically conductive materialsupporting the bulb at one end and having an insulated electricalconductor extending therethrough presenting an electrical contact forthe lamp bulb at one end and another electrical contact adjacent to theopposite end of the handle, a two-wire electrical cord for eilectingcommunication with a source of low voltage electrical current, aone-piece axially apertured butt member formed from electricallyconductive material having one of the cord wires secured in electricalcontact thereto, a tubular onepiece swivel connector member ofelectrically conductive material having one end telescopicallyinterengaged in slidable relation with said butt member, the interfaceportions of the butt and swivel members having complementary groovestherein, a self-locking split ring interlocked in said grooves holdingthe members against axial separation but permitting free relative rotarysliding movement, and an elongated tubular insulating element extendingthrough the butt and swivel members and having an electrically con"ductive element therein connected with the remaining wire of the cordand presenting an electrical contact for engagement with the Contact atthe proximate end of the handle, said swivel member being peripherallydigitally engageable for rotation while the butt member remainsstationary and having threads on its end portion opposite the buttmember for threadedly engaglng complementary threads on the end portionof the handle while the handle is also held stationary to effectinterengagement of the contacts on the proximate ends of said elementand conductor, said swivel member cooperating with said butt member andsaid handle to complete an electrical circuit between said one wire anda terminal of the lamp.

6. In combination in a self-contained tool and die makers lampcomprising a lamp bulb carrying structure and a low-gravity basetherefor, said base having a substantial downwardly opening cavitytherein providing a battery chamber, the walls of said chamber beingarranged to cradle a pair of dry cell batteries, one at each oppositeside of the chamber, a substantially U- shaped spring clip having itsbase secured to the top wall of the chamber and including a pair ofresilient depending legs arranged to engage and hold the respectivebatteries in their cradled positions against the force of gravitytending to dislodge the batteries, said legs being fashioned to permitthe batteries to be removed or replaced by manually sliding action, andan electrical lamp circuit including contacts carried by the walls ofthe chamber engageable by the ends of the batteries for connecting themin the circuit.

7. In combination in an electrical tool and die makers or like lamp, alow gravity base, structure supported by said base and carrying a lampbulb, said base having a substantial downwardly opening cavity thereinfor housing a dry cell battery to provide a source of electrical currentwhich is adapted to be connected in a circuit with the lamp bulb,certain walls of said cavity being fashioned to receive the battery indirectly cradled position thereagainst, a spring clip secured to thebase within the cavity for engaging and quick-releasably but firmlyholding the battery in place in said cradled position, and contact meanscarried by other walls of the cavity engageable by the battery foreffecting an electrical connection with the lamp bulb circuit.

8. In combination in a lamp, a handle stem adapted to be on the order`of as small as 1% outside diameter and providing an internally threadedlamp socket at one end, an electrical contact in the bottom of thesocket, a lamp bulb structure including an illuminating bulb ofsubstantially smaller diameter than the socket, and a base of nearly thesame diameter as the socket having a shoulder facing outwardly when thelamp bulb structure is placed within the socket, the bulb structureoutwardly of said shoulder being in concentric spaced relation to theencircling socket wall, said base having contact means adapted to engagewith the socket contact, and a tubular protective tip member surroundingthe illuminating bulb and having an externally threaded base stem ofreduced diameter and with a wall thickness enabling it to be receivedwithin the space between the bulb structure and the socket wall andscrewed into the socket, the inner end of the threaded tip stem bearingagainst said shoulder and holding the base in place within the socket.

9. In combination in a lamp including a basesupported post and anelongated handle, means for quick-detachably and adjustably securing thepost and the handle together, comprising a connector having coaxialseparable component members respectively carried by the post and thehandle, one of said members having an axially outwardly opening annularsocket, the other of said members having an axially extending circularhead fashioned to be assembled within the socket for maintaining themembers in mutually centered relation, said members having oppositelyaxially facing opposed surfaces adapted for interengagement in any of aplurality of incremental relative rotary positions of adjustment, anddigitally manipulable quick-releasable means for securing said memberstogether and drawing the members axially toward one another when saidhead is Within the socket to force said opposed surfaces intointer-engagement so as to hold the members against relative rotation,said securing means being partially releasable to permit quickincremental rotary adjustment of the members and thereby relativeadjustment of the post and the handle and being quickly fully releasablefor complete separation of the members to enable use of the handle awayfrom the post.

WALDO L. GARBERDING.

